The number of pensioners with cancer will treble by 2040, researchers suggest.
In three decades' time, 4.1 million over-65s will be living with the disease, compared with 1.3 million in 2010, the study finds.
Nearly one in four older people will receive a cancer diagnosis in 2040, almost double the proportion in 2010, the Macmillan Cancer Support-funded study suggests.
The sharp rise in the number of cases could be attributable to a number of causes such as an ageing population, increased incidence of cancer and increasing cancer survival rates, said the researchers at King's College London.
Professor Henrik Moller, one of the study authors, said: "The aim of this research is to provide long-term projections of cancer prevalence in the UK. The research shows that large increases can be expected in the oldest age groups in the coming decades and, with this, an increased demand upon health services."
Macmillan Cancer Support chief executive Ciaran Devane said: "The care of older cancer patients is the ticking time-bomb for society. These stark predictions should act as a warning to the NHS and social care providers of the problems ahead if older cancer patients are not offered the best treatment and support.
"We have a moral duty to give people the best chance of beating cancer, regardless of their age. For cancer survival to improve, older people must be given the right treatment at the correct level of intensity, together with the practical support to enable them to take it up.
"The barriers to older people getting treatment must be tackled. If we don't get this right now, many older people will be dying unnecessarily from cancer in the future."
The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods
The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods(01 of07)
Open Image Modal (credit:Alamy)
Carrots(02 of07)
Open Image ModalCarrots are rich in beta-carotene, a super strong antioxidant that helps keep stomach, prostate and lung cancer away. (credit:Flickr:clayirving)
Cabbage(03 of07)
Open Image ModalCabbages contain cancer-fighting indole-3-carbinol, which are said to help ward off cancer.Brocolli is a well-known cancer busting vegetable as its glucoraphanin enzyme protects the body from rectum and colon cancer. (credit:Flickr:TheDeliciousLife)
Tomato(04 of07)
Open Image ModalContaining a rich source of antioxidant lycopene, they protect the body from various cancer cells, plus it's also packed with vitamin C, which helps strengthen the body's immune system. (credit:Flickr:epSos.de)
Garlic(05 of07)
Open Image ModalGarlic isn't just a great way to flavor our food, but it's a clever way of incorporating a cancer-busting food into our diet.Garlic is proven to boost immunity, which helps our body fight against nasty cancerous cells. Chives, leeks and onions are also part of the allium vegetable group, which help reduce the risks of stomach, colon and prostate cancer. (credit:Flickr:lowjumpingfrog)
Flax Seeds(06 of07)
Open Image ModalFlax seeds contain a strong antioxidants called ligans which help keep cells healthy and safe from cancerous cells. They also contain Omega-3, which are believed to prevent colon cancer. (credit:Flickr:waferboard)
Blueberries(07 of07)
Open Image ModalRated as one fo the highest antioxidant foods, blueberries keep the body's cells healthy and full of oxygen, warding off cancerous cells attacking. (credit:Flickr:Andrea Pokrzywinski)